I AM OTI
Feathered PhilosopherWe'll take a break here, to meditate on the idea that thinking guarantees our existence and for me to complete another little sketch. We will return soon to put a new spin on #Descartes words. Thank you for following this far.
#Phonks (a thread 29/?)
#Descartes' rebuilding of a worldview after the cogito argument relies heavily on circular confirmations of God's existence. For now, we must accept (like him in fact) that some of our perceptions are flawed but careful critique can offer some certainties.
#Phonks (a thread 28/?)
#Phonks (a thread 28/?)
This is where we must sadly leave #Descartes behind but you don't have to. There's plenty more worth reading, especially concerning Cartesian dualism and the separate existence of mind and body. Don't take it as gospel but allow yourself to think about it.
#Phonks (a thread 27/?)
#Phonks (a thread 27/?)
#Descartes' Philosophy is a great example of knowledge serving the purpose of improving our lives. Thanks to his work, we know that we are alive, whether we are stuck in a simulation or an infinite dream, and can build from there.
#Phonks (a thread 26/?)
#Phonks (a thread 26/?)
#Descartes uses this initial, undeniable truth to build up a new foundation for science. This is why we could never call him a sceptic. He destroys only so that what he builds stands stronger.
#Phonks (a thread 25/?)
#Phonks (a thread 25/?)
This confirmation of our own existence through thought is greatly liberating. As long as you are thinking, you are giving yourself the chance to exist. It is our most precious possession & hopefully the last thing Zuckerberg and Musk can take away from us.
#Phonks (a thread 24/?)
#Phonks (a thread 24/?)
#Descartes realises that even after doubting everything, he is still left with the action of doubt; an action that requires an actor. In thinking about what he can(not) know for certain, he knows that there must be a person doing the thinking: himself.
#Phonks (a thread 23/?)
#Phonks (a thread 23/?)
But what can we build on? After all his dismantling, #Descartes finds one simple truth remaining. If you watched the Crashcourse video I shared, I already spoiled it for you: "Je pense donc je suis", "I think therefore I am", "Cogito ergo sum"
#Phonks (a thread 22/?)
#Phonks (a thread 22/?)
For all these reasons of doubt, #Descartes is able to justify a clean slate of sorts, a rebuilding of knowledge on stronger foundations, using only what we know to be certain. He destroys with intention to rebuild. This is a concept worth remembering.
#Phonks (a thread 21/?)
#Phonks (a thread 21/?)